MASTERPeace
In 2023, the City of Toronto, in collaboration with R.I.S.E. (Reaching Intelligent Souls Everywhere) Edutainment, launched MASTERPeace. This innovative initiative aimed to harness Toronto’s rich artistic talent while providing a powerful creative outlet for individuals and communities affected by violence, aligning with the public health approach of TO Wards Peace.
Overview
The MASTERPeace supported 12 local Toronto artists in creating and producing content culminating in a showcase performance. This initiative not only celebrated artistic expression but also served as a platform for addressing and healing from community violence through creativity.
Selected Finalists
It culminated in the selection of five outstanding finalists, each presenting unique and powerful works:
“Cain and Abel” by Jon Kabongo
– A piece likely exploring themes of conflict and brotherhood
“Diary of an Evil Spirit” by Troy Penny
– An intriguing work potentially delving into the nature of malevolence
“If these streets could talk” by Shahaddah Jack
– A narrative piece giving voice to urban experiences and stories
“Peace will soon come” by Ruben Esguerra
– A hopeful composition envisioning a future of harmony
“Souless” by Kajé
– A provocative piece possibly examining themes of emptiness or loss
Impact and Significance
MASTERPeace represents a significant step in Toronto’s approach to leveraging the arts to community healing and violence prevention. By merging public health initiatives with artistic expression, it offers a unique model for addressing complex social issues through creativity and community engagement.
This initiative provided a platform for artists to showcase their talents and created a space for dialogue, reflection, and healing within communities affected by violence. The diverse range of selected works demonstrates the multifaceted nature of experiences and perspectives surrounding community violence and peace-building efforts.
The success of this inaugural project paves the way for future iterations, potentially establishing a new tradition in Toronto’s artistic and community development landscape. It serves as a testament to the power of art in fostering understanding, promoting healing, and inspiring positive change in urban communities.
More About the Artists:
Benny Esguerra
Ruben “Beny” Esguerra is a Colombian-born musician, producer, spoken word poet, and arts educator known for blending tradition with innovation. As a two-time JUNO Award nominee and recipient of multiple honors, including the 2024 North York Arts Established Artist Award, Esguerra’s work is rooted in social justice and cultural expression. He is the creative director of New Tradition Music, a collective that bridges traditional Colombian music with modern elements like turntables and beatboxing, creating a unique sound that reflects his diverse influences. Esguerra also uses his platform to highlight pressing issues such as inequality and social injustice, encouraging audiences to take action. In addition to his artistic work, Esguerra is a dedicated community worker. He directs youth music programs in Toronto’s Jane-Finch neighborhood, helping participants discover the power within themselves through music and creative expression. By connecting youth to their cultural roots while embracing modern forms, Esguerra inspires them to create and share their own stories. His ongoing commitment to music, education, and activism makes him a key figure in Toronto’s arts community.
Kajé
Rising from the vibrant city of Toronto, Canada, Kajé emerges as the enigmatic Northern Star Diva of Soul, captivating audiences with her mystic presence and raspy timeless voice. Kajé embodies the spirit of the jazz and soul greats from as early as the 1930s. Her sound is a rich tapestry woven from the influences of legendary artists like Sarah Vaughn, Etta James, Prince, Lauryn Hill, Dorinda Clark Cole, and Jazmine Sullivan, creating a unique blend that is both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.
Kajé’s journey through music has been nothing short of extraordinary. She has graced the stage with her soulful performances, opening for renowned headliners such as Johnny Gill, Dexta Daps, Tony Rebel, and Davido (just to name a few), leaving an indelible mark on every audience she encounters. She has earned her a reputation as a must-see live performer. Kajé’s mission in life is not only to connect people through song but also to give back to her community. She is taking strides to make an impact within her community by working with churches, schools, and nonprofit organizations. Her cousin Keden was brutally murdered in 2021 in a violent act that changed her family forever. Her passion to save one life through song and conversation is her life’s purpose and to ensure Keden’s legacy lives on. Join Kajé on her journey to bring back the soul, gospel, and jazz that once defined R&B, and let her enchanting voice guide you to a place where the past and present converge in perfect harmony.
Jon Kabongo
Born and raised in Toronto’s inner city, Jon Kabongo is a seasoned lyricist seeking to fluidly exist in various musical soundscapes. His sound ranges from punchline-heavy boom bap to melodic Afro beat.
Shahaddah Jack
Meet Shahaddah Jack, a 20-year-old bilingual spoken word poet, performer, human rights activist, and student of life from Tkaronto. Recently releasing her debut single “My Mother’s Daughter,” she has graced 100+ stages, including the renowned History stage. Shahaddah, a proud graduate of the remix project, weaves her diverse cultural background into her powerful poetry, addressing human rights, the black experience, and the challenges of adolescence. Named BGC Canada’s 2022 National Youth of the Year and recognized as one of Streets of Toronto’s most inspirational women of 2022, Shahaddah invites you to explore her world through her debut book, “Underrated Royalty,” available on Amazon. On October 9 and 10, 2024, the Toronto City Council appointed Shahaddah Jack as the City of Toronto Youth Poet Laureate for a term beginning October 15, 2024, until December 31, 2026, or until a successor is appointed. This groundbreaking role will position Jack as a literary ambassador for Toronto’s youth, empowering young voices through poetry and spoken word.
Troy Penny
Troy Penny is a spoken word poet whose only goal is to inspire and challenge those who listen to his work. His style comes from hip-hop culture, which is why a few of his pieces have a rhythmic flow to them. Ultimately, Troy wants his art to change one person’s life.